Riding North...a team adventure to Canada

in·cep·tion *(n-spshn)
n.
The beginning of something, such as an undertaking; a commencement.

Yep, it began on pashnit.com with a blanket query regarding how to make the best trip possible to Canada. It wasn't my first trip by any means, but it would be my first trip as far north as I desired going and I desired some pointers. Well, as I sorted through the responses, one response clearly spoke out and it was the voice of my forum mate from Scotland, Notarian. He had the most detailed plan ever, complete with maps and links and it was obvious that we shared the madness. Hmmm, I thought, the best thing I could hope for was a travel buddy to go with me on this great Canada adventure, so I took a shot.
“Why don't you fly yer arse over here and accompany me?”
“hmmm...that's a strong maybe...”

So, pashnit strikes again, bringing two passionate motorcyclists together on another crazy adventure, taking three weeks and nearly 6K miles.

Notarian, Bill, arrived in CA at the end of June and after spending a week riding the Sierra's with his daughter Chere, joined me in Sacramento. He met Gary and the three of us hashed out the plan, though Gary was unable to attend, his heart shared the vicarious excitement. It was only a day later, that Bill and I were headed north with big plans for seeing and riding some of the most amazing roads ever...well, and a few boring ones as well!

The ride never really began until we got to Boise, ID and started Hwy 21 to Salmon. We are talking some amazing vantages and some awesome roads and tarmac. We rode both leisurely and spirited over all the roads we were to encounter. The beautiful country lingers along the roadway...it's one awesome sight after another and my camera was constantly snapping shots. It was actually difficult to take a bad shot!

Idaho City with a quirky place much like NitWit Ridge near Cambria.

Notarian

More gratuitous bike photos.

The Sawtooth range is majestic rising up on the south side of 21 and the road was pretty much wide open. Some new tarmac made for a brisk pace and seeing the construction zones, we could only tip our hats at the workers making this roadway so appealing!

The wind was picking up as we made a quick stop in Challis to visit Bill's parent's past home and for a spot of lunch. The weather outlook looked a bit grim, as the skies filled with darkened clouds, but the air temperatures were warm Our goal this day would be to make Salmon, ID and find a place to while away the evening immersed in good conversation and a decent meal and micro-brew. We found both in at a place called, Bertrams. http://bertramsbrewery.com/ in Salmon.

Bill's parent's past property had a little bridge where Bill parked the KTM and I simply couldn't resist this shot.

After dinner as we rode back to the motel with the sky looking more and more impending. Soon the sky opened up to the storm and by the middle of the night, lightening was streaking the darkened horizon. I was pleased the electric storm had given way to a light drizzle and as we were off to our next destination of Red Lodge, MT.

Bill is an exemplary rider and I asked him to coach me on my weaknesses. After a few pointers, my pace picked up as I put his advice into play. I feel that this experience has definitely contributed to my skill set and added another dimension to my acts of hooliganism. The riding has been simply amazing!
(we are still on the road, so I'll post more today as I have some down time in Portland)

“Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment." Papa-Ken

Re: Riding North...a team adventure to Canada

I had to step back and add a couple of photos that I skipped previously. We are still on the road and I have been so busy riding I have had little time to post to the blog, but I am grounded in Portland visiting my family and thought it prudent to get back online and continue our adventure.

This is the Sawtooth Range with Bill riding out in front.

Getting gas in Stanley, I could not help but notice this amazing sight on a Victory. Not one but three cup holders!

We spent the night in Salmon, ID and had a nice dinner at the local brewpub, whose name currently escapes me. The weather finally after looking fairly grim, began some rain. It was a bit chilly and definitely damp, but what can one expect when one is traveling for many days, you have to encounter some weather. We were both prepared and just traveled onward.

Wanting to reach the Beartooth pass, meant a bit of riding through Yellowstone. We thought we had the entrance fee covered since Bill had a pass, but the youthful park ranger was having a go with me, and required me to also have a pass. I bought one without issue, as I usually have a yearly pass, only mine had expired a few months prior to this excursion. I renewed and was finally let through. I mean, pay $20 for one bike and one park or $80 for a year pass. It seemed a no brainer, but I did think the logic of charging a bike the same as a motorhome filled with visitors seems a bit riotous.

Traffic in Yellowstone and as you can see, Bill is making short order of it.

This photo of Bill is one of my very favorite thus far on our holiday. I think it's a shot filled with moody drama as we crossed through the park.

Buffalo in Yellowstone

Bill having some fun in the twisties as we head to Beartooth Pass.

Beartooth Pass is an amazing length of road for those that haven't been there, it's a sure MUST ride. The elevation changes by about 5,000 feet from the 5,000 ft elevation of the valley floor to a near 11,000 ft at the summit.

This is the best shot of the trip thus far, and Bill's shot it. Drool...wow!!!

This was my effort of shooting Bill while he made his shot!

“Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment." Papa-Ken

Re: Riding North...a team adventure to Canada

Plenty of snow at the top.

I am a sap for the shadow shots!

Nice, eh?

I nearly hit a tiny fawn on a switchback who decided i was simply too noisy and he was outa there. He first ran out in front of me, then decided to skip right down the middle of the highway, looking much like a cartoon character. Mom, in the meantime was simply grazing while he child was being traumatized. I did my best to cut the little dood plenty of slack and was actually worrying that he was getting more and more separated from mom, but I'm sure nature sorts this sort of thing out.

After my deer encounter, I stopped for a couple of shots and then heading down into Red Lodge when ahead I could see patrol lights. I was only hoping it wasn't Bill, but alas, I was wrong. This was the end to a fine day of riding, but even the fine was nothing compared to our CA fines. He gladly paid his $20 bucks and we chalked up. Nothing was gonna spoil this amazing journey!

Two nights in Red Lodge proved interesting since they were celebrating the Beartooth Rally. The rally is best called a Harley rally since we saw no other format machine, and I must admit that other than Street Vibrations, in Reno, I have never attended a rally and this was probably my last.

We did meet some really fun people and Russ and Deb were in that catagory.

I found the mascot for my Bikes and Babes posts!

Night in Red Lodge and this pic doesn't do it the justice it deserves. It was sooooo noisy, it was difficult to eat outside the restaurant.

A couple of guys who saw me taking photos, and told their wives I thought they were cute so posed for me....hmmmm, i guess i spoke telepathically.

Bill and I had an entertaining evening to say the least, had some over priced booze and headed back to our motel with an early start in mind. Oh ya....right.

The following day we rode the Chief Joseph Pass and what a glorious ride. It doesn't have the same tight twisties and switchbacks that the Beartooth has, but the vantages from the top are amazing!

Bill charming the locals! She was really quite a nice woman that kept us laughing as we awaited our turn to flow with the traffic.

We stopped for gas in a Rec area and a young man was riding this bike...a big dog chopper!

“Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment." Papa-Ken

Re: Riding North...a team adventure to Canada

Sometimes you gotta love airplanes. Tuesday was riding Scotland’s Aberdeenshire lowland / highlands, Wed was a flight to California and Thursday was riding the Santa Cruz Mountains – both riding days in brilliant sunshine.

Joe wanted to visit a pal in Strathdon that he’d not seen for a year. It’s been great riding with Joe over the years as he used to live in Strathdon and knows every paved, dirt and trail in that part of the Highlands.

We took some outstanding back roads between the Dee and Don rivers. Orson and I were on or near some of these for our ride to the west coast and again last month for a ‘Castle’ day.

The Sentinel – Our motorcyclist guardian of Aberdeenshire roads. In 1914 two brothers were riding and one was killed in an accident. The surviving brother placed a memorial at the location. It’s a place we always stop to give our respects to an ancient motorbiker.

Re: Riding North...a team adventure to Canada

Thursday. KTM 950SM, Bear Creek – Big Basin – Black Rd, California

Time to reacquaint myself to the SM and a little tune up ride prior to Chere’ and I taking off for a week riding the Sierras before meeting Demenshea in Sacramento = nothing better than notching up a couple hundred miles in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Bear Creek Road (Boulder Creek to Los Gatos) is my favourite SC mountain road and as of last year the top of the west section is brand new tarmac adding extra goodness to an already good road surface.

For some reason people think of Big Basin Redwoods as being smaller cousins from those along the Avenue of the Giants. But reality is that Big Basin’s redwoods are equally Giants. I know this first hand from having climbed them in Big Basin in 1969 topping and trimming out 200 – 300 foot tall redwoods.

Climbing out of Big Basin there’s more fresh and ultra-smooth tarmac

Once up onto the ridge, you can see just how forested the SC mountains are and why it became a logging paradise. Way off in the distance is Monterey Bay.

Black Road and although it isn’t all as smooth as this, it’s a mighty fine road.

Re: Riding North...a team adventure to Canada

Like always....some fab shots.....Donna. Very cool RR so far. While I was out on my 3 weeks 2 wheeled journey...I kept looking for when you were departing on your trip....I will be waiting with baited breath...to see what is next ride safe.....both of you.